University of Cincinnati to Award More Than 6,360 Degrees

The University of Cincinnati celebrates All-University Commencement during two ceremonies on Saturday, April 27, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Fifth Third Arena. UC President Santa J. Ono will lead the Saturday ceremonies. The Doctoral Hooding and Master’s Recognition Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 26, in Fifth Third Arena. That ceremony is led by Robert Zierolf, interim vice provost and dean of the Graduate School.

9 a.m., Saturday, April 27Doors open at 7:30 a.m.College of Allied Health Sciences; Carl H. Lindner College of Business; College-Conservatory of Music (CCM); College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP); College of Nursing; UC Blue Ash College

2 p.m., Saturday, April 27Doors open at 12:30 p.m.College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH); College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS); McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (A&S); UC Clermont College

The Doctoral Hooding and Master’s Recognition Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 26, in Fifth Third Arena at Shoemaker Center. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

Parking is free in all West Campus garages on April 26 and on April 27.

UC’s Office of Institutional Research reports that 6,258 students applied for graduation during spring semester. Factoring in semester conversion, the numbers include what would have been winter (March) and spring graduates (June) under the university’s former academic quarter system, whereas only spring quarter figures were reported last June (5,521).

Institutional Research reports that 3,920 of the graduates received some form of institutional aid to support their college education. Furthermore, more than 4,000 graduates had taken at least one distance learning course.

Five UC graduates will be recognized with the UC Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence for their academic excellence, their commitment to co-curricular activities, their citizenship in support of the university’s goals and values, their dedication to diversity and their potential for future success and achievement. They are Lane Hart, Megan McDonald, William McIlwain IV, Nicholas Shah and Mark Schutte.

On a national scale, the starting paychecks are looking better for this spring’s graduates, compared with last year. A new report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) indicates the average starting salary for new college graduates is up 5.3 percent ($44,928) over the average starting salary for 2012 graduates ($42,666). The survey of employers found sizable gains in several disciplines, including health sciences, business, education, engineering and computer science.

Sandra Heimann, vice president of American Financial Group, vice president of American Money Management and vice president of Great American Insurance Company, will address graduates during Saturday’s ceremonies.

Robert “Bob” Castellini, chairman of the Castellini Group of Companies and CEO and principal owner of the Cincinnati Reds, will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Commercial Science during the 2 p.m. ceremony.

Leon Fleisher, a legendary pianist and conductor, will be awarded (in absentia) an Honorary Doctor of Music during the 9 a.m. ceremony.

John Glenn,
a space pioneer, distinguished war hero and retired U.S. Senator, will
receive (in absentia) an Honorary Doctor of Engineering during the 9 a.m. ceremony.

Immediately following all ceremonies, the UC Alumni Association will host a reception for all graduates and guests at the Russell C. Myers Alumni Center.

All ceremonies will be webcast by UC’s Presentation Technologies & Services Group, marking the 15th year that Commencement can be viewed via the Internet.